Tuesday, 14 June 2011

Pigeon Diseases

NEWCASTLES DISEASE : (Paramyxovirus) is a viral disease of pigeons and birds in general. It is also known as Ranikhets disease in local parlance in India. The virus is contracted through contaminated air, water, and bird dropings. The disease can affect both young and adult birds alike. Symptoms include nervous tremors, head and neck twisting and going in reverse circles. Mortality is usually high although some individuals may survive. Survivours may remain carriers. However, pigeons that survive the attack of Newcastles disease are in most cases able to breed, but some traces of physical abnormality like tilting of head remains. There is no cure in allopathic / veterinary medicine except Vaccinating healthy stock. However, there are many who claim to cure Newcastles disease with Unani , Homeopathic and Ayurvedic medicine .
But this has not been verified.

PIGEON POX: is a viral avian disease which is both painful and debilitating for birds. The disease affects young pigeons. It appears to be transmitted mostly by vectors such as mosquitos. Pigeons fanciers face huge losses as the mortality rate is quite high among young pigeons. Young pigeons / squabs initially develop soft lesions on bare areas of the body such as the beak ,near eyes, legs and vent. some birds with few lesions on the legs and beak usually tolerate and overcome the condition. It takes about 1-2 months for the lesions to become hard and fall off. Some birds that survive, often get disfigured on the beak, eyes and legs. The good thing however is, birds that survive the terrible pox disease become immune to virus and will not get affected again.
There are always sporadic incidence of avian pox all over India.
TREATMENT: is palliative. . Painkillers, application of tincture of iodine to the lesions.
PREVENTION: Vaccination, using mosquito repellants, good nutrition, proper hygiene, ventilation and sunlight.
Poultry pox vaccines are available in India. Perhaps it could be considered for * pigeons too. *(Disclaimer) only on the advice of a vet.

CANKER: (Trichomoniasis) is a protozoal disease which is contracted through contaminated water and through crop milk to squabs. All ages of pigeons are at risk of contracting Canker. Symptoms include gradual decrease in food intake. Yellowish white cheesy growth appears inside the mouth preventing passage of food and air .
If left untreated, the bird would eventually die of starvation. Affected birds should be isolated and all the food and water containers cleaned throughly. Severe stage of Canker can sometimes disfigure the beak.
Affected birds can be treated Metronidazole (Flagyl) for one week.
PREVENTION: Maintaining good hygeine.

SALMONELLOSIS: (Paratyphoid) is a bacterial disease that affects pigeons in a big way. In India, this disease is called SUKHA which means dry in hindi. Young birds are more prone to this disease. Birds can get infected through contaminated dust, water, and crop milk/ fluid . The disease attacks various organs of pigeons like intestines, joints of wings and legs which sometimes causes lameness. The most prominent symptoms are watery diarrhea, vomiting and anorexia . The affected birds rapidly lose body mass. However, Salmonellosis is treatable with appropriate antibiotics.
Treatment: Enrofloxacin
PREVENTION: Maintaining good hygeine.